Most disciples overlook one of the most profound spiritual opportunities of the year: the Counting of the Omer. Damian Eisner unpacks how this simple, ancient practice transcends tradition and reveals a pathway to inner growth, humility, and divine empowerment. If you’ve ever wondered how biblical festivals like Passover and Shavu’ot connect to your daily walk with God, this episode will reshape that understanding. The calendar provides both reflections of history and strategic moments for transformation.

👉 Key Discussion Points:

► Come learn the core purpose of counting the Omer. It’s not just counting days but elevating your soul from bondage to sin toward a new level of spiritual maturity.

► Damian shares insights on how to use this period for self-examination, gratitude, and character refinement. Remember, the process is about you changing (not your neighbor), not checking off a ritual box.

► Damian offers practical exercises for using this time to intentionally cultivate your character with patience and humility.

If you are seeking deeper purpose, spiritual discipline, or a fresh perspective on biblical festivals, this episode will provide you with practical steps for transformation. Clear, grounded, and packed with insight, it will help you capitalize on God’s calendar for growth that lasts well beyond the season.

🔖 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Counting the Omer

05:13 The Significance of Barley in Jewish Tradition

07:09 Counting the Omer for Spiritual Maturity

14:17 The Omer, Repentance, and Discipleship

18:47 Interpersonal Improvements

25:07 Learning from Moses’ Leadership

32:42 Navigating Difficult Relationships

37:03 Helping Others Improve

40:29 Counting the Omer with Gratitude

46:35 Growth with a Trusted Friend

👉 Resources:

► Resource

BOOKS

Heart of Moses - https://ffoz.store/products/the-heart-of-moses

Adam loves Eve - https://ffoz.store/products/adam-loves-eve-book

ARTICLES

https://ffoz.org/messiah/articles/christian-pop-and-counting-the-omer

https://ffoz.org/messiah/articles/counting-the-omer

https://ffoz.org/messiah/articles/counting-from-passover-to-pentecost

OMER COUNTER: https://us-east-1.graphassets.com/APqS8y7QATaCvy9gijJ3oz/cmmdrlj129bq006iqmha4rrna?dl=true

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

Have you ever wondered if the ancient practice of observing the Sabbath holds relevance for modern-day followers of Jesus? The Jewish people have been commanded to sanctify the Sabbath day, ceasing from all creative work every week from Friday evening to Saturday night. But what about non-Jews, especially those of us who follow Jesus? He kept the Sabbath, and we're his disciples. So what does that mean for us? Our guest today is Ruben Ramos, a non-Jewish disciple of Jesus who honors the Sabbath every week with his family. He's here to share how the Sabbath has transformed his life of discipleship, and how you can begin reaping the blessings of engaging with the day God has declared to be holy.

👉 Key Discussion Points:

► Discover how a simple Friday night dinner, rooted in biblical and Jewish tradition, can set the tone for rest, reflection, and spiritual growth. We break down practical ways to incorporate Sabbath rhythms into your busy life, from unplugging electronics and creating sacred time, to cultivating family routines and fostering community.

► Learn the subtle yet profound ways the Sabbath pries open opportunities for disciple-making, mindfulness, and trust in God's sovereignty.

► Explore the deeper prophetic significance of the Sabbath as a foretaste of the coming kingdom—a time of peace, abundance, and worship where nations gather before God's throne.

If you’ve ever wondered how to practically and meaningfully engage with God's rest despite the pressures and distractions of modern life, this episode is essential listening. The Sabbath is more than just a day off. It’s a divine tool for discipleship, a preview of eternity, and a pathway to renewed trust and obedience. Start today and discover how a weekly pause can unlock profound spiritual renewal and kingdom anticipation.

👉 Resources:

► FREE: Messiah Magazine #35

► Is Sabbath Just for Jews?

► Should Christians Keep the Sabbath?

► Why Did Charlie Kirk Love the Sabbath So Much?

► A Digital Sabbath Is Exactly What We Need

► From Sabbath to Sabbath

► The Sabbath Breaker

► HaYesod: The Sabbath

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

The Sabbath: Is it observed on Sunday or Saturday? Is it a day of rest, worship, or both? Who is it truly for—Jews, Christians, or everyone? Are the ancient Sabbath laws still relevant today? What insights does the Bible provide? If profound questions like these cross your mind, then join Aaron and Rachel Eby as they delve into these topics, sharing their experiences as a Jewish family observing the traditional Jewish Sabbath every Saturday. Aaron, a senior educator at First Fruits of Zion, and Rachel, a prolific writer for Messiah Online and Messiah Magazine, offer a unique perspective as Jewish followers of Jesus. Together, they guide us through understanding the Sabbath from a Messianic Jewish viewpoint.

👉 Key Discussion Points:

► In this episode you’ll discover why the Sabbath was sanctified at creation long before the Jewish people existed, and what it truly means for a day to be “holy.”

► Traditional Jewish Sabbath observance goes beyond just refraining from work and includes the thirty-nine categories of prohibited creative acts. The Ebys explain the purpose behind these detailed boundaries and how this meticulous structure is designed not to be a burden but to deepen your awareness of God's holiness, transforming how you experience time and life itself.

► The Sabbath serves as a rehearsal for the World to Come, a time to step back from our relentless pursuit of achievement and reconnect with God's eternal promises. Aaron and Rachel share personal insights into how Shabbat fosters community, nurtures family bonds, and cultivates a sense of delight. They discuss suggestions for engaging children and incorporating joy, even amid a busy, screen-saturated culture. They offer encouragement for non-Jews: even small steps like lighting candles or setting aside moments of reflection can infuse life with spiritual meaning and cultural richness.

This episode isn’t just about understanding a religious practice; it’s about rediscovering a rhythm of life that can profoundly shape your faith, your family, and your worldview. Whether you’re Jewish, exploring the faith, or simply curious about a tradition rooted in divine wisdom, these insights open a path toward sacred time and a deeper connection with the Creator. Don’t miss this invitational journey into the life-changing power of the Sabbath.

🔖 Chapters

00:00 Significance of the Sabbath

7:18 The Nature of Holiness

12:20 Changed to Sunday?

18:46 Was Saturday the Original Sabbath?

20:35 Spiritual Growth and the Sabbath

32:51 Experiential Knowledge

36:39 The Sabbath's Weekly Rhythm

41:03 The Jewish Prohibitions of the Sabbath

54:39 Navigating Shabbat with Children

01:05:14 Advice for Jews and Gentiles

👉 Resources:

► Messiah Magazine #35

►Why Did Charlie Kirk Love the Sabbath So Much?

► From Sabbath to Sabbath

► HaYesod, The Sabbath

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.